Rev, Dr. Mark Ellingsen, an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, teaches required Church History and some denominational theology courses. His area of expertise is the History of Christian Thought from the post-Biblical era through the present. Much of his research and teaching at ITC has focused on early North African Christianity and its contribution to Christian teachings that are central to the faith. He also has expertise in the theology and career of John Calvin, John Wesley, Martin Luther, and Martin Luther King, Jr. He regularly teaches a course on Dr. King with well-known Civil Rights leader Lonnie King. Other interests include Theological Hermeneutics (how to read and interpret Scripture, and his work in this field has been the subject of attention at the University of Zululand in South Africa), Pentecostalism and the theology of the Holy Spirit, social commentary (he has written a number of books on political and economic trends in America, what these trends are doing to the oppressed, with suggestions on how and what liberation would look like [see books listed below]), and also on how to relate Christian faith to modern science (esp. Evolution, Brain Research, and String Theory). In the latter field he is interested in highlighting how many modern scientific findings challenge racist and sexist assumptions.

Publications

Dr. Ellingsen has written 21 books and hundreds of articles. Books still in print and of special interest to friends of ITC include: Martin Luther’s Legacy: Reforming Reformation Theology for the 21st Century (Palgrave Macmillan) African Christian Mothers and Fathers: Why They Matter for the Church Today (Cascade) Sin Bravely: A Joyful Alternative to a Purpose-Driven Life (Continuum) Making Black Ecumenism Happen: A History of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC Press) When Did Jesus Become Republican? Rescuing Our Country and Our Values from the Right (Rowman & Littelfield) The Richness of Augustine: His Contextual and Pastoral Theology (Westminster John Knox) Blessed Are the Cynical: How Original Sin Can Make America a Better Place Brazos) Reclaiming Our Roots: An Inclusive Introduction To Church History, Vol.1-2 (Wipf and Stock) A Common Sense Theology: The Bible, Faith, and American Society (Mercer University Press) The Cutting Edge: How Churches Speak on Social Issues (World Council of Churches; Arabic translation, by Dar El-Thaqafa, in Egypt) The Integrity of Biblical Narrative: Story in Theology and Proclamation (Wipf and Stock)

Online Contributions

Many of Dr. Ellingsen’s books noted above are available in electronic version through Amazon. Likewise a significant number of his articles can be obtained just by googling his name. His weekly online column of sermon helps is: Lectionary Scripture Notes www.lectionaryscripturenotes.com Also readily available include two of his articles which you can find by clicking his name at www.religion-online.org/author

Contact Information

(770) 732-1329 mellingsen@itc.edu

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